Dealing with scruples: A guide for directors of souls

  Dealing with Scruples by Dermot Casey, S.J.   It’s possible to be too hard on yourself Or maybe on others, too, who suffer from scruples   “Scruples” -- defined in the old Catholic Encyclopedia as an “unwarranted fear that something is a sin, which, as a matter of fact, is not” -- was once a familiar term to Catholics, but has since fallen out of use. No wonder: Catholics today are more likely to suffer the delusion that nothing is a sin. Yet for Catholics who still take sin seriously, scrupulosity is more a danger than ever. Why? Because in an atmosphere of moral and religious laxity, some of us overcompensate by being too hard on ourselves. The resulting mental anguish can lead to serious spiritual consequences as well -- warping judgment, sapping moral strength, and not infrequently leading to despair of God’s goodness. Fortunately, the cure for this age-old problem hasn’t changed since Dermot Casey, SJ, wrote this definitive guide more than a half-century ago. Using simple, non-technical language, Fr. Casey divides his treatment into two parts: (1) “The Nature of Scruples” (diagnosis), and (2) “The Treatment of Scruples” (cure). Some of his helpful advice:   8 common errors about Catholic moral and religious obligations that can lead to or exacerbate scruples   Why scruples lead a person away from sanctity, not closer to it   5 common experiences or changes of circumstance that can bring on a serious case of scruples   Telltale signs and symptoms of the scrupulous person. Dangers of incorrect diagnosis   How to distinguish scrupulosity from a healthy fear of sin   The main component of scrupulosity   Why scruples are most troublesome on such occasions as Confession, Holy Communion, prayer and other devotional exercises. Remedies for each